Dual-bearing reel

ABSTRACT

A spool access mechanism of a dual-bearing reel includes a frame, a spool support portion, a first side cover and a cover opening/closing portion. The frame includes an opening portion. The frame is formed in a substantially circular shape. The spool support portion is mounted to an interior of the frame. The spool support portion supports a spool in a rotatable state. The first side cover is allowed to be disposed in the opening portion of the frame. The cover opening and closing portion is disposed between the spool and the first side cover in the interior of the frame. The cover opening and closing portion is engaged with the spool support portion and the first side cover, and opens and closes the first side cover.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to Japanese Patent Application No. 2013-190357 filed on Sep. 13, 2013, the entirety of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a dual-bearing reel. particularly to a dual-bearing reel including a spool access mechanism for accessing a spool and a spool brake mechanism.

2. Background Information

In general, a dual-bearing reel includes a frame body and a side cover for openably/closably covering a lateral side of the frame body (see Japan Registered Utility Model No. 2529109). When described in detail, the frame body has a cover support portion formed for supporting the side cover in an openable/closable state. Further in detail, the cover support portion is disposed radially outward of a spool, while being disposed between the spool and the frame body. The side cover is opened by the cover support portion, and thereby, the interior of the frame body becomes accessible.

On the other hand, in some dual-bearing reels, the cover support portion is formed in the both end parts of the frame body so as to be disposed radially outward of the spool in parallel to a spool shaft (see Japan Laid-open Patent Application Publication No. JP-A-2005-333844). Even in the structure, the side cover is opened by the cover support portion and the interior of the frame body becomes easily accessible.

In the dual-bearing reel of the type described in the Japan Registered Utility Model No. 2529109, the side cover is configured to be openable. In this type of dual-bearing reel, the cover support portion for supporting the side cover is disposed between the frame body and the radially outer part of the spool. Thus, it is required to prepare a space between the spool and the frame body in order to dispose the cover support portion. This results in a drawback that the frame body is inevitably enlarged in the radial direction. Similarly in the dual-bearing reel of the type described in the Publication No. JP-A-2005-333844, the side cover is also configured to be openable. In this type of dual-bearing reel, the cover support portion for supporting the side cover is formed in the both end parts of the frame body so as to be disposed radially outward of the spool in parallel to the spool shaft. Therefore, this structure also results in a drawback that the frame body is inevitably enlarged in the radial direction.

The present invention has been produced in view of the aforementioned drawback. It is an object of the present invention to compactly form a reel unit in a dual-bearing reel.

SUMMARY

A dual-bearing reel according to a first aspect of the invention includes a reel unit, a spool, a handle and a spool access mechanism. The reel unit includes a frame body and a cover portion. The frame body is formed in a substantially circular shape. The frame body has an opening portion. The cover portion is allowed to be disposed in the opening portion of the frame body. The spool is rotatably mounted to the frame body. The handle is configured to rotate the spool. The spool access mechanism is configured to allow access to an interior of the frame body.

The spool access mechanism includes the frame body, the cover portion, a spool support portion and a cover opening and closing portion. The spool support portion is mounted to the interior of the frame body. The spool support portion is configured to support the spool in a rotatable state. The cover opening and closing portion is disposed between the spool and the cover portion in the interior of the frame body. The cover opening and closing portion is engaged with the spool support portion and the cover portion. The cover opening and closing portion is configured to open and close the cover portion.

Thus, in the present dual-bearing reel, the cover opening and closing portion is disposed between the spool and the cover portion in the interior of the frame body. Further, the cover portion is engaged with the cover opening and closing portion. Thus, unlike a well-known art, it is not required to dispose the support portion for supporting the cover portion either in a position between the frame body and the radially outside of the spool or on the both ends of the frame body on the radially outside of the spool. In other words, compared to the well-known art, the frame body can be compactly formed in the present dual-bearing reel.

With the frame body thus compactly formed, when a user operates the dual-bearing reel, for instance, the dual-bearing reel can be easily held (easily palmed), and thus, operability of the dual-bearing reel can be enhanced.

Further, unlike the well-known art, it is not required for the present dual-bearing reel to prepare a space or part for disposing the support portion on the radially outside of the spool within the frame body. Hence, the outer contour of the frame body can be formed in the most optimal shape, for instance, in a substantially circular shape. Thus, the shape of the frame body is determined not only by simply forming the frame body compactly but also by setting the space within the frame body or the size of the frame body to a possible minimum extent. Due to the reason as described above, in the present dual-bearing reel, the frame body is formed in a shape optimal for compactly forming the frame body, i.e., in a substantially circular shape.

A dual-bearing reel according to a second aspect of the invention relates to the dual-bearing reel recited in the first aspect of the invention. In the dual-bearing reel, the cover portion includes an engaging portion. The engaging portion is configured to open and close the cover portion with respect to the cover opening and closing portion. The engaging portion is mounted to the cover portion. The engaging portion is configured to overlap with the spool support portion when viewed to a spool shaft direction.

In the present dual-bearing reel, the engaging portion is mounted to the cover portion so as to overlap with the spool support portion when viewed to the spool shaft direction. Hence, it is not required to prepare a space or part for disposing the engaging portion on the radially outside of the spool within the frame body. Consequently, the frame body can be compactly formed.

A dual-bearing reel according to a third aspect of the invention relates to the dual-bearing reel recited in the first or second aspect of the invention. In the dual-bearing reel, the spool, the spool support portion and the cover portion are disposed substantially concentric to each other when viewed to a spool shaft direction.

In the present dual-bearing reel, the spool, the spool support portion and the cover portion can be disposed in alignment with each other in a direction along the spool shaft without being substantially eccentric to the frame body. Consequently, the frame body can be compactly formed in the radial direction.

A dual-bearing reel according to a fourth aspect of the invention relates to the dual-bearing reel recited in any one of the first to third aspects of the invention. The dual-bearing reel further includes a detachable portion. The detachable portion is disposed between the spool and the cover portion in the interior of the frame body. The detachable portion is engaged with the spool support portion and the cover opening and closing portion. The detachable portion is mounted to the frame body. The detachable portion is configured to attach the spool support portion and the cover opening and closing portion to the frame body or detach the spool support portion and the cover opening and closing portion from the frame body while the cover portion is opened.

In the present dual-bearing reel, the detachable portion is disposed between the spool and the cover portion, and allows the spool support portion and the cover opening and closing portion to be attached to or detached from the frame body while the cover portion is opened. When described in detail, the cover opening and closing portion is engaged with the cover portion. Therefore, the detachable portion allows the spool support portion, the cover opening and closing portion and the cover portion to be attached to or detached from the frame body while the cover portion is opened.

Thus, in the present dual-bearing reel, the detachable portion is capable of easily detaching the spool support portion, the cover opening and closing portion and the cover portion from the frame body. Thus, the internal structure of the dual-bearing reel is easily accessible. Further, when the spool support portion, the cover opening and closing portion and the cover portion are detached from the frame body, it is possible to easily assemble the internal structure of the dual-bearing reel or detach the internal structure of the dual bearing reel and then easily perform a maintenance work for the detached internal structure.

A dual-bearing reel according to a fifth aspect of the invention relates to the dual-bearing reel recited in the fourth aspect of the invention. In the dual-bearing reel, the detachable portion is pivotably mounted to the frame body. The spool support portion and the cover opening and closing portion are allowed to be detached from the frame body by pivoting the detachable portion while the cover portion is opened.

In the present dual-bearing reel, the spool support portion and the cover opening and closing portion are configured to be detached from the frame body by pivoting the detachable portion while the cover portion is opened. In other words, in the present dual-bearing reel, the frame body can be compactly formed, and further, the internal structure of the dual-bearing reel becomes easily accessible only by pivoting the detachable portion.

A dual-bearing reel according to a sixth aspect of the invention relates to the dual-bearing reel recited in any one of the first to fifth aspects of the invention. In the dual-bearing reel, the cover opening and closing portion includes a pivot member and a coupling member. The pivot member is pivotably mounted to the spool support portion. The coupling member couples the spool support portion and the cover portion. The coupling member supports openably and closably the cover portion in conjunction with a pivot of the pivot member.

In the present dual-bearing reel, the coupling member couples the spool support portion and the cover portion, while supporting the cover portion so as to allow the cover portion to be opened and closed in conjunction with the pivot of the pivot member. Hence, even when the spool support portion and the cover portion are disposed in separate positions, the cover portion is allowed to be opened and closed by pivoting the pivot member. In other words, in the present dual-bearing reel, the cover portion can be easily opened and closed, and thereby, the interior of the cover portion becomes easily accessible.

A dual-bearing reel according to a seventh aspect of the invention relates to the dual-bearing reel recited in the sixth aspect of the invention. In the dual-bearing reel, the pivot member is configured to take a predetermined first position while the cover portion is closed. The pivot member is configured to take a second position while the cover portion is openable. The pivot member pivots between the first position and the second position. The pivot member is configured to be positioned by the coupling member in either of the first position and the second position.

In the present dual-bearing reel, the pivot member is positioned by the coupling member when taking either of the first position or the second position. In other words, the cover portion can be fixed in the closed state by positioning the pivot member in the first position. By contrast, the cover portion is held in the openable state by positioning the pivot member in the second position. Hence, the spool support portion and the cover opening and closing portion can be easily detached from the frame body. In other words, the internal structure of the dual-bearing reel can be easily detached or assembled.

A dual-bearing reel according to an eighth aspect of the invention relates to the dual-bearing reel recited in the a sixth or seventh aspect of the invention. In the dual-bearing reel, the coupling member includes a first coupling member and a second coupling member. The first coupling member is mounted to the spool support portion between the pivot member and the cover portion. The second coupling member is engaged with the first coupling member, and positions the pivot member. Further, the second coupling member supports openably and closably the cover portion.

In the present dual-bearing reel, the coupling member is composed of the first coupling member and the second coupling member. Therefore, even when the spool support portion and the cover portion are disposed in separate positions, the first coupling member can make up for the positional difference. Further, the second coupling member can position the pivot member and support the cover member.

A dual-bearing reel according to a ninth aspect of the invention relates to the dual-bearing reel recited in the eighth aspect of the invention. In the dual-bearing reel, the pivot member includes a main body and an elongated aperture part. The main body is pivotably mounted to the spool support portion. The elongated aperture part is formed on the main body of the pivot member. The second coupling member is movable within the elongated aperture part in conjunction with a pivot of the main body of the pivot member. The pivot member is configured to be positioned by the second coupling member on one end side of the elongated aperture part when taking a first position. The pivot member is configured to be positioned by the second coupling member on the other end side of the elongated aperture part when taking a second position.

In the present dual-bearing reel, when taking either the first position or the second position, the pivot member is configured to be positioned by the second coupling member on one end side or the other end side of the elongated aperture part. Thus, the pivot member can be reliably positioned in two different positions (i.e., the first position and the second position), which are set in accordance with the pivot of the pivot member.

A dual-bearing reel according to a tenth aspect of the invention relates to the dual-bearing reel recited in the ninth aspect of the invention. In the dual-bearing reel, the second coupling member includes a shaft part and an enlarged part. The shaft part is mounted to the cover portion. The enlarged part is enlarged in comparison with the shaft part. The elongated aperture part includes a first aperture and a second aperture. The first aperture is formed on one end side of the elongated aperture part. The second aperture is formed on the other end side of the elongated aperture part. The second aperture has an inner diameter greater than an inner diameter of the first aperture.

If the pivot member takes the first position, the shaft part of the second coupling member is disposed in the first aperture, and the pivot member is positioned by allowing the enlarged part of the second coupling member to engage with an edge of the second aperture. If the pivot member takes the second position, the pivot member is positioned by disposing the enlarged part of the second coupling member.

In the present dual-bearing reel, when taking the first position, the pivot member is configured to be positioned by the shaft part and the enlarged part of the second coupling member. Hence, the cover portion can be reliably fixed while being closed. By contrast, when the pivot member takes the second position, the enlarged part of the second coupling member is disengaged from the first aperture and is disposed in the second aperture. Therefore, the cover portion can be reliably held while being openable.

A dual-bearing reel according to an eleventh aspect of the invention relates to the dual-bearing reel recited in any one of the seventh to tenth aspects of the invention. In the dual-bearing reel, the second coupling member is configured to be retained by the pivot member if the pivot member takes a predetermined first position. The second coupling member is configured to be retained by the first coupling member, if the pivot member pivots from the first position to a second position and takes the second position.

In the present dual-bearing reel, when the pivot member takes either the first position or the second position, the second coupling member is configured to be retained by either the pivot member or the second coupling member. Thus, the second coupling member can be retained without preparing a special member.

Advantageous Effects of Invention

According to the present invention, a reel unit can be compactly formed in a dual-bearing reel.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Referring now to the attached drawings which form a part of this original disclosure:

FIG. 1 is a plan view of a dual-bearing reel according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the dual-bearing reel;

FIG. 3 is a partial perspective view of the dual-bearing reel;

FIG. 4 is a side view of the dual-bearing reel (an opened state of a first side cover);

FIG. 5 is a side view of the dual-bearing reel (excluding the first side cover);

FIG. 6A is a perspective view of the first side cover;

FIG. 6B is a partial cross-sectional view of the first side cover (without any protrusion);

FIG. 6C is a partial cross-sectional view of the first side cover part (with a protrusion);

FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view of a detachable unit (excluding the first side cover);

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of an urging member,

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a pivot member, and

FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an engaged state of a coupling member.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS <Basic Structure of Dual-bearing Reel>

As illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, a dual-bearing reel 10 mainly includes a reel unit 11 to be attached to a fishing rod, a handle 12, a star drag 13, a spool 14, a spool shaft 26, a spool access mechanism 30 and a cover open mechanism 50. The cover open mechanism 50 (to be described) is included in the spool access mechanism 30 as an element of the spool access mechanism 30. Further, a part of the reel unit 11 (e.g., a frame 17) is included in the spool access mechanism 30 as another element of the spool access mechanism 30.

As illustrated in FIG. 1, the handle 12 is a member for spool rotation. The handle 12 is disposed laterally to the reel unit 11. The star drag 13 is a member for drag regulation, and is disposed on the reel unit 11 side of the handle 12.

The spool 14 is rotatably mounted to the reel unit 11. The spool 14 has a bobbin trunk 14 a, a right-and-left pair of a first flange 14 b and a second flange 14 c. The bobbin trunk 14 a is a tubular part that a fishing line is wound thereabout. The first and second flanges 14 b and 14 c are large-diameter parts formed on the both ends of the bobbin trunk 14 a. The first flange 14 b is disposed on the opposite side of the handle 12, whereas the second flange 14 c is disposed on the same side as the handle 12. An attachment part 14 d (see FIG. 2) is disposed on the inner peripheral side of the bobbin trunk 14 a. The attachment part 14 d is a tubular part to which the spool shaft 26 is coupled so as to be unitarily rotatable therewith. The attachment part 14 d is integrally formed with the bobbin trunk 14 a through a disc-shaped coupling part 14 e (see FIG. 2). Thus, a space is produced on the inner peripheral side of the bobbin trunk 14 a of the spool 14.

One end (the right end in FIG. 2) of the spool shaft 26 is rotatably supported by a first side plate 17 a (to be described) of the reel unit 11 through a first bearing 25 a. The other end (the left end in FIG. 2) of the spool shaft 26 is rotatably supported by a second bearing 25 b disposed within a boss part disposed on a second side cover 18 b (to be described) of the reel unit 11.

As illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, the reel unit 11 includes the frame 17 (an exemplary frame body), a first side cover 18 a (an exemplary cover portion), the second side cover 18 b and a fishing rod attachment part 17 d. The first and second side covers 18 a and 18 b cover the right and left lateral sides of the frame 17. The fishing rod attachment part 17 d serves to attach the dual-bearing reel 10 to the fishing rod.

The frame 17 has a right-and-left pair of the first side plate 17 a and a second side plate 17 b and a plurality of coupling parts 17 c. The first side plate 17 a is formed in a substantially circular shape. The first side plate 17 a has a first side plate main body 27 a and a tubular part 27 b integrally formed with the outer periphery of the first side plate main body 27 a. The first side plate main body 27 a has an opening 22 a and an elongated aperture 22 b (see FIG. 3) for a pivot member. The opening 22 a and the inner periphery of the tubular part 27 b compose an opening portion 27 c (an exemplary opening portion) that allows the spool 14 to pass therethrough. An operating knob 38 b for pivoting (to be described) is movably disposed in the pivot-member elongated aperture 22 b.

As illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 4, a spool support portion 15, the first side cover 18 a, a cover opening and closing portion 16 (to be described) and a detachable portion 19 are disposed in the opening portion 27 c, for instance, on the inner peripheral side of the tubular part 27 b. When described in detail, the spool support portion 15, the first side cover 18 a and the cover opening and closing portion 16 are detachably attached to the inner peripheral side of the tubular part 27 b through the detachable portion 19. For example, the detachable portion 19 and the tubular part 27 b are herein detachably coupled to each other by means of bayonet coupling. Detailed description will be made below for a structure for coupling the detachable portion 19 and the tubular part 27 b.

Further, as illustrated in FIG. 2, a spool brake device 20 is disposed in the opening portion 27 c. The spool brake device 20 serves to inhibit occurrence of backlash in casting. The spool brake device 20 is configured to brake the spool 14 in conjunction with the rotation of the spool 14. The spool brake device 20 mainly includes a rotary member 20 a, a plurality of brake shoes 20 b and a brake drum 20 c. The rotary member 20 a is mounted to the spool shaft 26 while being unitarily rotatable therewith. Each of the plural brake shoes 20 b is pivotably mounted to the rotary member 20 a. In the present embodiment, six brake shoes 20 b are pivotably mounted to the outer periphery of the rotary member 20 a. Further, the respective brake shoes 20 b can be set to be non-pivotable by a lock mechanism (not illustrated in the drawings).

The brake drum 20 c is configured to brake the rotation of the spool 14 when the brake shoes 20 b are contacted to the brake drum 20 c. The brake drum 20 c is configured to be moved in either a direction closer to the spool 14 or a direction away from the spool 14 in accordance with the operating amount of a brake operating portion 118 d to be described. The brake drum 20 c is thus positioned.

For example, when the rotary member 20 a is rotated together with the spool 14, the brake shoes 20 b are pivoted by means of centrifugal force. Accordingly, the brake shoes 20 b are contacted to the already positioned brake drum 20 c. The rotation of the spool 14 is thus braked. It should be noted that the brake drum 20 c is a member included in the spool access mechanism 30 (the spool support portion 15).

As illustrated in FIG. 2, the second side plate 17 b is disposed in opposition to the first side plate 17 a through the coupling parts 17 c. The second side cover 18 b is attached to the second side plate 17 b. A casting control mechanism 21 is disposed between the second side plate 17 b and the second side cover 18 b. The casting control mechanism 21 serves to regulate resistive force to be applied when the spool 14 is rotated.

The plural coupling parts 17 c are integrally formed with the first side plate 17 a and the second side plate 17 b so as to connect the first side plate 17 a and the second side plate 17 b.

As illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, the first side cover 18 a is a member for covering a lateral side of the frame 17 on the handle 12 side. When described in detail, the first side cover 18 a is a member for covering the opening portion 27 c of the first side plate 17 a. For example, the first side cover 18 a can be disposed in the opening portion 27 c of the first side plate 17 a.

As illustrated in FIGS. 4, 5 and 6A. the first side cover 18 a includes a cover main body 28 a, a support part 28 b (an exemplary coupling part) and a foreign object blocking member 61. At least a part of the outer periphery of the cover main body 28 a has a first curvature. In other words, at least a part of the outer periphery of the cover main body 28 a is formed in a shape with a first curvature radius. For example, the cover main body 28 a is formed in a substantially circular shape. The cover main body 28 a has a plurality of apertures 128 a. The plural apertures 128 a are bored for weight reduction of and enhancement in design of the cover main body 28 a. The cover main body 28 a has a protruding part 128 b formed in a substantially annular shape on the outer periphery thereof. The protruding part 128 b is contacted to a contact part 35 d of the spool support portion 15 to be described. Thus, rotation of the first side cover 18 a is prevented at the contact part 35 d.

Further as illustrated in FIG. 6A, the protruding part 128 b has a plurality of holding parts 128 c for holding the foreign object blocking member 61. Here, three holding parts 128 c are formed on the protruding part 128 b. The three holding parts 128 c are formed on the inner peripheral side of the protruding part 128 b, while being circumferentially aligned at intervals. Each holding part 128 c is a recess formed in a concave shape (an exemplary first convex part).

The support part 28 b is provided for the cover main body 28 a in order to enable opening and closing of the first side cover 18 a from/to the cover opening and closing portion 16. The support part 28 b is integrally formed with the cover main body 28 a on the opening portion 27 c side of the first side plate 17 a. For example, the support part 28 b is formed in a cylindrical shape, and the inner periphery thereof has a female threaded part.

For example, the support part 28 b is integrally formed with the cover main body 28 a so as to overlap with the spool support portion 15 in a view seen in a spool shaft direction under a condition that the first side cover 18 a is closed, i.e., a condition that the first side cover 18 a is disposed in the opening portion 27 c of the first side plate 17 a. Further, the first side cover 18 a has an opening 18 d bored therein. The brake operating portion 118 d for braking spool rotation is turnably disposed in the opening 18 d.

As illustrated in FIG. 6A, the foreign object blocking member 61 is a member for blocking intrusion of a foreign object through the apertures 128 a bored in the cover main body 28 a of the first side cover 18 a. The foreign object blocking member 61 is an elastic member. The foreign object blocking member 61 is configured to be fitted to the cover main body 28 a when being elastically deformed. For example, the foreign object blocking member 61 is attached to the inner surface side of the cover main body 28 a, while being retained by the cover main body 28 a by means of resilient force. The foreign object blocking member 61 is positioned and retained by the holding parts 128 c of the cover main body 28 a. Detailed explanation will be made below for the foreign object blocking member 61 in explaining the structure of a foreign object intrusion blocking structure 60 to be described.

As illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, the second side cover 18 b is a member for covering a lateral side of the frame 17 on the same side as the handle 12. A resistance operating portion 23 is turnably mounted to the second side cover 18 b. The resistance operating portion 23 serves to regulate the casting control mechanism 21.

The fishing rod attachment part 17 d is integrally formed with the lower side coupling portion 17 c. The spool 14 is disposed between the first side plate 17 a and the second side plate 17 b, while being coupled to the handle 12.

It should be noted that a level wind mechanism (not illustrated in the drawings), a rotation transmission mechanism (not illustrated in the drawings) and so forth are disposed in the interior of the reel unit 11. The level wind mechanism is configured to be actuated in conjunction with the spool 14. The rotation transmission mechanism is configured to transmit the rotation of the handle 12 to the spool 14.

<Structure of Spool Access Mechanism and Structure of Cover Open Mechanism>

As illustrated in FIG. 4, the spool access mechanism 30 is composed of the first side plate 17 a (the frame 17), the spool support portion 15, the first side cover 18 a, the cover opening and closing portion 16 and the detachable portion 19. Among these elements of the spool access mechanism 30, the first side plate 17 a (the frame 17), the spool support portion 15, the first side cover 18 a and the cover opening and closing portion 16 compose the cover open mechanism 50. In other words, the spool access mechanism 30 includes the cover open mechanism 50.

Thus, excluding the detachable portion 19, the structure of the cover open mechanism 50 is the same as that of the aforementioned spool access mechanism 30. Therefore, explanation will be hereinafter simultaneously made for the structure of the spool access mechanism 30 and that of the cover open mechanism 50.

It should be noted that the spool support portion 15, the detachable portion 19, the cover opening and closing portion 16 and the first side cover 18 a will be hereinafter referred to as “a detachable unit 29”. Further, explanation has been already made for the first side plate 17 a and the first side cover 18 a in explaining the reel unit 11. Therefore, explanation thereof will not be hereinafter made.

The spool support portion 15 supports the spool 14 in a rotatable state. When described in detail the spool support portion 15 supports the spool 14 in a rotatable state through the spool shaft 26. The spool support portion 15 is disposed in the interior of the first side plate 17 a. When described in detail, the spool support portion 15 is disposed in the opening portion 27 c of the first side plate 17 a.

As illustrated in FIG. 7, the spool support portion 15 includes a base member 35 and the aforementioned brake drum 20 c. The base member 35 has a base main body 35 a and a bearing accommodating part 35 e for accommodating the first bearing 25 a.

The base main body 35 a has a brake accommodating part 35 b, a brimmed part 35 c and the contact part 35 d (see FIG. 4). The brake accommodating part 35 b is a part for accommodating a brake cam 20 d and the brake shoes 20 b. The brake accommodating part 35 b has a window part 115 e formed for enabling access to the brake shoes 20 b. The brake shoes 20 b are set to be pivotable or non-pivotable through the window part 115 e.

The brimmed part 35 c is integrally formed with the outer periphery of the brake accommodating part 35 b. The contact part 35 d is an anti-rotation part for the first side cover 18 a. The contact part 35 d is integrally formed with the brake accommodating part 35 b so as to outwardly protrude therefrom. For example, when the first side cover 18 a is opened, the protruding part 128 b (see FIG. 6A) of the first side cover 18 a is contacted to the contact part 35 d of the spool support portion 15. Thus, further rotation of the first side cover 18 a is prevented in the position. Further, the protruding part 128 b of the first side cover 18 a is also used as a part to which an urging member 37 is hooked.

The bearing accommodating part 35 e is integrally formed with the inner periphery of the base main body 35 a. When described in detail, the bearing accommodating part 35 e is integrally formed with the brake accommodating part 35 b of the base main body 35 a so as to protrude therefrom in a direction along the spool shaft 26. The base member 35 supports one end (i.e., the right end in FIG. 2) of the spool shaft 26 in a rotatable state through the first bearing 25 a (see FIG. 2) accommodated in the bearing accommodating part 35 e.

The brake drum 20 c is engaged with the base member 35 through the brake cam 20 d. The brake cam 20 d is disposed between the inner periphery of the brake drum 20 c and the outer periphery of the bearing accommodating part 35 e. A cam groove is formed on the outer periphery of the brake cam 20 d, whereas a cam protrusion is formed on the inner periphery of the brake drum 20 c so as to be engaged with the cam groove.

For example, when the brake operating portion 118 d is operated and turned, a first gear portion 121 and a second gear portion 122 of the brake drum 20 c are configured to be rotated. The first gear portion 121 is fixed to the brake operating portion 118 d, whereas the second gear portion 122 is meshed with the first gear portion 121. In conjunction with the rotation, the brake drum 20 c is rotated. Further, the brake drum 20 c is moved through the brake cam 20 d in either a direction closer to the spool 14 or a direction away from the spool 14. Accordingly, the brake drum 20 c is positioned and braking force is determined, which is to be applied to the spool 14 when the brake shoes 20 b are contacted to the brake drum 20 c.

As illustrated in FIG. 4, the cover opening and closing portion 16 is configured to be capable of opening the first side cover 18 a. The cover opening and closing portion 16 is disposed in the opening portion 27 c of the first side plate 17 a, while being disposed between the spool 14 and the first side cover 18 a. The cover opening and closing portion 16 is engaged with the spool support portion 15 and the first side cover 18 a. For example, the cover opening and closing portion 16 is engaged with the brake accommodating part 35 b of the spool support portion 15 and the support part 28 b (see FIG. 6A) of the first side cover 18 a.

As illustrated in FIGS. 4 to 10, the cover opening and closing portion 16 includes a cover opening and closing structure 36 and the urging member 37 (see FIG. 8). The cover opening and closing structure 36 is capable of opening and closing the first side cover 18 a. For example, when the position of the first side cover 18 a transitions between a cover closed position and a cover openable position, the cover opening and closing structure 36 supports the first side cover 18 a such that the first side cover 18 a is allowed to proceed in the direction away from the spool 14 and retract in the direction closer to the spool 14. On the other hand, when the position of the first side cover 18 a transitions between the cover openable position and a cover opened position, the cover opening and closing structure 36 supports the first side cover 18 a such that the first side cover 18 a is allowed to pivot. Further, the cover opening and closing structure 36 is engaged with the spool support portion 15 and the first side cover 18 a.

It should be noted that the cover closed position is defined as a position taken by the first side cover 18 a disposed in the opening portion 27 c of the first side plate 17 a. Further, the cover openable position is defined as a position taken by the first side cover 18 a moved in the direction away from the spool 14, i.e., a position taken by the first side cover 18 a when a predetermined clearance is produced between the first side cover 18 a and the tubular part 27 b of the first side plate 17 a. Yet further, the cover opened position is defined as a position taken by the first side cover 18 a when the first side cover 18 a is opened.

The cover opening and closing structure 36 includes a pivot member 38 and a coupling member 40. The pivot member 38 is a member configured to be operated for opening the first side cover 18 a. The pivot member 38 is pivotably mounted to the spool support portion 15.

As illustrated in FIGS. 5, 7 and 9, the pivot member 38 has a pivot main body 38 a (an exemplary main body of a pivot member) formed in a substantially annular shape, the pivot operating knob 38 b, a cutout 38 c, and an elongated aperture part 39 for positioning.

The pivot main body 38 a is pivotably mounted to the spool support portion 15. The pivot main body 38 a is rotatable with respect to the spool support portion 15, while being opposed to the brimmed part 35 c of the spool support portion 15. The brake accommodating part 35 b of the spool support portion 15 is disposed in the inner periphery of the pivot main body 38 a. The rotary range (i.e., the pivot range) of the pivot member 38 is set to be within a range of the pivot-member elongated aperture 22 b (see FIG. 3) bored in the first side plate 17 a.

The pivot operating knob 38 b causes the pivot member 38 to pivot. The pivot operating knob 38 is formed on the outer periphery of the pivot main body 38 a, while extending in a direction along the spool shaft 26. The pivot operating knob 38 b is disposed in the pivot-member elongated aperture 22 b (see FIG. 3). When the pivot operating knob 38 b is operated, the pivot member 38 is configured to pivot. The cutout 38 c is formed along the outer periphery of the pivot main body 38 a. An operating knob 19 b for detachable (to be described) is disposed in the cutout 38 c.

As illustrated in FIG. 9, the positioning elongated aperture part 39 is formed in the pivot main body 38 a, while extending in the circumferential direction. A second coupling member 42 (to be described) is disposed in the positioning elongated aperture part 39 (see FIG. 5). The second coupling member 42 is movable in the positioning elongated aperture part 39. The positioning elongated aperture part 39 has a first aperture 39 a and a second aperture 39 b. The first aperture 39 a is formed on one end side of the positioning elongated aperture part 39. The second aperture 39 b is formed on the other end side of the positioning elongated aperture part 39. The inner diameter of the second aperture 39 b is greater than that of the first aperture 39 a.

Here, the position, taken by the pivot member 38 when the first side cover 18 a is closed, is defined as a first position. By contrast, the position, taken by the pivot member 38 when the first side cover 18 a is openable, is defined as a second position. While taking the first or second position, the pivot member 38 is configured to be positioned by the coupling member 40 to be described.

As illustrated in FIG. 5, while coupling the spool support portion 15 and the first side cover 18 a, the coupling member 40 supports the first side cover 18 a such that the first side cover 18 a is openable and closable in conjunction with the pivot of the pivot member 38. The coupling member 40 includes a first coupling member 41 and the second coupling member 42 (an exemplary support portion in the cover open mechanism 50).

The first coupling member 41 is mounted to the spool support portion 15, while being disposed between the pivot member 38 and the first side cover 18 a. When described in detail, the first coupling member 41 is formed in a plate shape. A part of the first coupling member 41 is mounted to the brake accommodating part 35 b of the spool support portion 15. Further, the remaining part of the first coupling member 41, excluding the part mounted to the brake accommodating part 35 b, is engaged with the second coupling member 42. For example, the first coupling member 41 has an aperture 41 a. The second coupling member 42 is rotatably disposed in the aperture 41 a.

The second coupling member 42 is engaged with the first coupling member 41. For example, the second coupling member 42 is rotatably disposed in the aperture 41 a of the first coupling member 41. Further, the second coupling member 42 supports the first side cover 18 a in an openable/closable state, while being coupled to the support part 28 b (see FIG. 6A) of the first side cover 18 a. Yet further, the second coupling member 42 positions the pivot member 38. When described in detail, the second coupling member 42 is movable within the positioning elongated aperture part 39 in conjunction with the pivot of the pivot main body 38 a of the pivot member 38.

When taking the first position, the pivot member 38 is configured to be positioned by the second coupling member 42 on one end side in the positioning elongated aperture part 39. By contrast, when taking the second position, the pivot member 38 is configured to be positioned by the second coupling member 42 on the other end side in the positioning elongated aperture part 39.

Specifically as illustrated in FIG. 10, the second coupling member 42 has a shaft part 43 and a head part 44 (an exemplary enlarged part). The shaft part 43 is rotatably disposed in the aperture 41 a of the first coupling member 41. The shaft part 43 has a shaft main body 43 a and a male threaded part 43 b. The shaft main body 43 a is a part formed between the head part 44 and the male threaded part 43 b. The shaft main body 43 a can be fitted to the positioning elongated aperture part 39 formed in the pivot member 38. When described in detail, in the closed state of the first side cover 18 a, the shaft main body 43 a is configured to be disposed in the first aperture 39 a of the positioning elongated aperture part 39. The male threaded part 43 b of the shaft part 43 is screwed into the support part 28 b (the female threaded part) of the first side cover 18 a. Accordingly, the second coupling member 42 is attached to the first side cover 18 a.

The head part 44 is a part enlarged in comparison with the shaft part 43. The head part 44 is integrally formed with the shaft part 43 on one end of the shaft part 43. As depicted with dashed lines in FIG. 9, the head part 44 can be engaged with the positioning elongated aperture part 39. When described in detail, while the pivot member 38 takes the first position (i.e., in the closed state of the first side cover 18 a), the head part 44 is configured to be engaged with the first aperture 39 a of the positioning elongated aperture part 39 (see FIG. 10). By contrast, while the pivot member 38 takes the second position (i.e., in the openable state of the first side cover 18 a), the head part 44 is configured to be engaged with the second aperture 39 b of the positioning elongated aperture part 39.

Now, explanation will be made for the relation between the second coupling member 42 and the pivot member 38 and for positioning of the pivot member 38. As illustrated in FIG. 10, when the pivot member 38 takes the first position, the shaft part 43 (the shaft main body 43 a) of the second coupling member 42 is disposed in the first aperture 39 a of the positioning elongated aperture part 39. Further, at this time, the head part 44 of the second coupling member 42 is engaged with an edge 39 c of the first aperture 39 a of the positioning elongated aperture part 39.

With the structure, in the closed state of the first side cover 18 a, i.e., while the outer periphery of the first side cover 18 a is contacted to the tubular part 27 b of the first side plate 17 a, the pivot member 38 is interposed and held between the first side cover 18 a and the second coupling member 42 (the head part 44). Thus, the pivot member 38 is positioned, while being retained.

By contrast, when the position of the pivot member 38 is changed from the first position and is set to the second position, the head part 44 of the second coupling member 42 is configured to be disposed in the second aperture 39 b of the positioning elongated aperture part 39 as illustrated in FIG. 9. Under the condition, the pivot member 38 is unable to pivot because the head part 44 of the second coupling member 42 is disposed in the second aperture 39 b of the positioning elongated aperture part 39. In other words, the pivot member 38 is positioned by the second coupling member 42 (the head part 44).

Further, under the condition, the head part 44 of the second coupling member 42 is allowed to proceed in the direction away from the spool support portion 15 and retract in the direction closer to the spool support portion 15, while being disposed in the second aperture 39 b of the positioning elongated aperture part 39. However, the first coupling member 41 is disposed between the first side cover 18 a and the head part 44 of the second coupling member 42. Hence, the second coupling member 42 is retained by the first coupling member 41. It should be noted that, the second coupling member 42 supports the first side cover 18 a in a pivotable state, while the head part 44 thereof is contacted to the first coupling member 41.

The urging member 37 illustrated in FIG. 8 is a member for urging the first side cover 18 a. The urging member 37 is configured to change the position of the first side cover 18 a from the cover closed position for closing the opening portion 27 c of the first side plate 17 a to the cover opened position for opening at least a part of the opening portion 27 c of the first side plate 17 a. Specifically, the urging member 37 is configured to firstly change the position of the first side cover 18 a from the cover closed position to the cover openable position whereby the opening portion 27 c of the first side plate 17 a can be opened. Next, the urging member 37 is configured to change the position of the first side cover 18 a from the cover openable position to the cover opened position.

The urging member 37 urges the first side cover 18 a so as to make the first side cover 18 a openable, while being disposed between the first side cover 18 a and the cover opening and closing structure 36. When described in detail, the urging member 37 urges the first side cover 18 a in the direction away from the spool 14, while being disposed between the first side cover 18 a and the first coupling member 41. Further, the urging member 37 urges the first side cover 18 a so as to make the first side cover 18 a openable, while being engaged with the first side cover 18 a and the first coupling member 41.

As illustrated in FIG. 8, the urging member 37 has a torsion spring part 37 a, a first lock part 37 b and a second lock part 37 c. While being disposed between the first side cover 18 a and the first coupling member 41, the torsion spring part 37 a is disposed on at least either of the outer periphery of the support part 28 b of the first side cover 18 a and that of the shaft part 43 (the shaft main body 43 a) of the second coupling member 42. For example, when the second coupling member 42 is disposed in the first aperture 39 a, the torsion spring part 37 a is configured to be disposed on the outer periphery of the support part 28 b. By contrast, when the second coupling member 42 is disposed in the second aperture 39 b, the torsion spring part 37 a is configured to be disposed on the outer periphery of the support part 28 b and that of the shaft part 43.

The torsion spring part 37 a is extendable and contractable on the aforementioned outer peripheries. For example, the torsion spring part 37 a is compressed between the first side cover 18 a and the first coupling member 41, while the head part 44 of the second coupling member 42 is engaged with the edge 39 c of the first aperture 39 a, i.e., while the first side cover 18 a is closed. When the pivot member 38 is rotated from the condition and the head part 44 of the second coupling member 42 reaches the second aperture 39 b, the torsion spring part 37 a urges the first side cover 18 a in the direction away from the spool support portion 15. Accordingly, the head part 44 of the second coupling member 42 is contacted to the first coupling member 41. Thus, the position of the first side cover 18 a is changed from the cover closed position to the cover openable position.

Further, the torsion spring part 37 a applies the reaction force of the torsional force thereof to the first side cover 18 a. When described in detail, the first lock part 37 b is locked to (or held by) the first side cover 18 a (e.g., the protruding part 128 b of the first side cover 18 a). The second lock part 37 c is locked (or hooked) to the cover opening and closing structure 36 (e.g., the first coupling member 41). For example, the second lock part 37 c is hooked in a lock aperture 41 b (see FIG. 5) of the first coupling member 41. Accordingly, the torsion spring part 37 a applies the reaction force of the torsional force thereof to the first side cover 18 a, where the second lock part 37 c (the lock aperture 41 b) serves as a spring support. For example, when the first side cover 18 a has taken the cover openable position, the position of the first side cover 18 a is changed from the cover openable position to the cover opened position by means of the reaction force of the torsional force of the torsion spring part 37 a.

Thus, the first side cover 18 a is configured to be opened, while the position thereof is sequentially changed by the urging member 37 in the order of the cover closed position, the cover openable position, and the cover opened position.

As illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 5, the detachable portion 19 is disposed in the opening portion 27 c of the first side plate 17 a, while being disposed between the spool 14 and the first side cover 18 a. Further as illustrated in FIG. 7, the detachable portion 19 is disposed between the spool support portion 15 and the pivot member 38. Specifically, the detachable portion 19 is disposed between the brimmed part 35 c of the spool support portion 15 and the pivot main body 38 a of the pivot member 38. The detachable portion 19 is rotatable, while being arranged as described above.

The detachable portion 19 is pivotably and detachably attached to the first side plate 17 a. The detachable portion 19 is engaged with the spool support portion 15 and the cover opening and closing structure 36. The detachable portion 19 is pivotable, while the first side cover 18 a is opened. Further, under the condition, the detachable portion 19 allows the spool support portion 15, the first side cover 18 a and the cover opening and closing portion 16 to be attached to or detached from the first side plate 17 a.

As illustrated in FIG. 7, the detachable portion 19 is formed in a substantially annular shape. The detachable portion 19 has an annular part 19 a (an exemplary main body of the detachable portion 19) formed in a substantially annular shape, the detachable operating knob 19 b and a plurality of (e.g., three) bayonet protrusions 19 c. The detachable operating knob 19 b is integrally formed with the outer periphery of the annular part 19 a. The detachable operating knob 19 b is disposed in the cutout 38 c of the pivot member 38. For example, the detachable operating knob 19 b has a groove (not illustrated in the drawings) formed on the inner periphery thereof. The groove is fitted to the cutout 38 c of the pivot member 38, and accordingly, the pivot member 38 is retained in the spool shaft direction. It should be noted that the pivot range of the detachable portion 19 is set to be within a range of the circumferential length of the cutout 38 c.

The plural (e.g., three) bayonet protrusions 19 c are integrally formed with the outer periphery of the annular part 19 a so as to outwardly protrude therefrom. On the other hand, bayonet grooves 27 d (see FIG. 4) are formed in the tubular part 27 b of the first side plate 17 a. When the detachable portion 19 is rotated in response to an operation of the detachable operating knob 19 b, the bayonet protrusions 19 c are configured to be engaged with the bayonet grooves 27 d. Accordingly, the detachable unit 29 (i.e., the spool support portion 15, the first side cover 18 a, the cover opening and closing portion 16 and the detachable portion 19) is attached to the tubular part 27 b of the first side plate 17 a. By contrast, when the detachable portion 19 is rotated oppositely to the aforementioned direction in response to an operation of the detachable operating knob 19 b, the bayonet protrusions 19 c and the bayonet grooves 27 d are disengaged from each other. Accordingly, the detachable unit 29 is detached from the tubular part 27 b of the first side plate 17 a.

Thus, the spool support portion 15, the detachable portion 19, the cover opening and closing portion 16, and the first side cover 18 a can be attached or detached as a single unit, i.e., as the detachable unit 29. Therefore, the interior of the dual-bearing reel 10 is easily accessible.

<Assembling Work and Action of Spool Access Mechanism and Cover Open Mechanism>

The detachable unit 29, included in the spool access mechanism 30, is assembled and acts as follows.

First, the detachable portion 19 and the pivot member 38 of the cover opening and closing portion 16 are combined. Specifically, the detachable portion 19 and the pivot member 38 are combined such that the operating knob (the detachable operating knob 19 b) of the detachable portion 19 is disposed in the cutout 38 c of the pivot member 38. More specifically, the detachable portion 19 is assembled to the pivot member 38 such that the groove (not illustrated in the drawings) of the detachable operating knob 19 b is fitted to the cutout 38 c. Accordingly, the pivot member 38 of the cover opening and closing portion 16 is retained by the detachable portion 19.

Next, while the detachable portion 19 and the pivot member 38 are combined, the detachable portion 19 is disposed on the spool support portion 15 while being opposed to the brimmed part 35 c of the spool support portion 15. In other words, the detachable portion 19 is disposed on the outer periphery of the brake accommodating part 35 b of the spool support portion 15. Accordingly, the detachable portion 19 and the pivot member 38 are disposed on the outer periphery of the brake accommodating part 35 b of the spool support portion 15.

Next, the second coupling member 42 of the cover opening and closing portion 16 is attached to the first side cover 18 a (including the foreign object blocking member 61) through the first coupling member 41 of the cover opening and closing portion 16. Specifically, the shaft part 43 of the second coupling member 42 is inserted through the aperture 41 a of the first coupling member 41. Then, the shaft part 43 (the male threaded part 43 b) of the second coupling member 42 is screwed into the support part 28 b of the first side cover 18 a, while the first lock part 37 b of the urging member 37 is locked to (or held by) the protruding part 128 b of the first side cover 18 a whereas the torsion spring part 37 a of the urging member 37 is disposed on the support part 28 b of the first side cover 18 a. Further, the second lock part 37 c of the urging member 37 is hooked in the lock aperture 41 b of the first coupling member 41.

Subsequently, while the first side cover 18 a is opened, the first coupling member 41 is fixed to the brake accommodating part 35 b of the spool support portion 15 by a fixation member (e.g., a screw 47). When described in detail, the first coupling member 41 is fixed to the brake accommodating part 35 b of the spool support portion 15 by the screw 47, while the head part 44 of the second coupling member 42 is disposed in the second aperture 39 b of the positioning elongated aperture part 39 formed in the pivot member 38.

Thus, the detachable unit 29 (i.e., the spool support portion 15, the detachable portion 19, the cover opening and closing portion 16 (the pivot member 38 and the coupling member 40) and the first side cover 18 a) is assembled.

Subsequently, the detachable unit 29 is attached to the first side plate 17 a. For example, the detachable operating knob 19 b, disposed in the cutout 38 c of the pivot member 38, is rotated while the pivot operating knob 38 b is disposed in the pivot-member elongated aperture 22 b. Thus, the detachable unit 29 and the first side plate 17 a are bayonet-coupled. In other words, the detachable unit 29 is attached to the first side plate 17 a by fitting the bayonet protrusions 19 c of the detachable portion 19 included in the detachable unit 29 to the bayonet grooves 27 d of the tubular part 27 b of the first side plate 17 a.

It should be noted that under the condition, the first side cover 18 a is opened while being urged by the urging member 37. Further under the condition, the pivot member 38 takes the first position.

Subsequently, when the first side cover 18 a is rotated about the axis of the second coupling member 42, the urging member 37 is twisted and the first side cover 18 a is disposed in opposition to the tubular part 27 b of the first side plate 17 a. Under the condition, a predetermined clearance is produced between the first side cover 18 a and the tubular part 27 b of the first side plate 17 a. Further, when the first side cover 18 a is inwardly pushed toward the spool support portion 15, the urging member 37 is compressed and the first side cover 18 a is contacted to the tubular part 27 b of the first side plate 17 a.

Under the condition, when the pivot operating knob 38 b is operated in one direction along the pivot-member elongated aperture 22 b, the head part 44 of the second coupling member 42 is moved from the second aperture 39 b to the first aperture 39 a within the positioning elongated aperture part 39 and is disposed on the edge 39 c of the first aperture 39 a. Accordingly, the first side cover 18 a is held by the first side plate 17 a (the tubular part 27 b), while covering the opening portion 27 c of the first side plate 17 a. The condition corresponds to the closed state of the first side cover 18 a. Under the condition, the spool 14, the spool support portion 15 and the first side cover 18 a are disposed substantially concentrically in a view seen in the spool shaft direction.

By contrast, when the pivot operating knob 38 b is operated in the opposite direction along the pivot-member elongated aperture 22 b while the first side cover 18 a is closed, the head part 44 of the second coupling member 42 is moved from the edge 39 c of the first aperture 39 a to the second aperture 39 b within the positioning elongated aperture part 39. The second coupling member 42 is thereby urged together with the first side cover 18 a in the direction away from the spool support portion 15 by means of the extension force of the urging member 37. Accordingly, the head part 44 of the second coupling member 42 is contacted to the first coupling member 41, while being disposed inside the second aperture 39 b of the positioning elongated aperture part 39. In other words, the first side cover 18 a is moved in the direction away from the spool 14. Thus, the position of the first side cover 18 a is changed from the cover closed position to the cover openable position.

Subsequently, when the position of the first side cover 18 a has been changed into the cover openable position, the first side cover 18 a is rotated about the second coupling member 42 by means of the reaction force of the torsional force of the urging member 37. Accordingly, the position of the first side cover 18 a is changed from the cover openable position to the cover opened position. In other words, the first side cover 18 a is opened.

Subsequently, when the detachable operating knob 19 b is operated, the bayonet coupling between the detachable unit 29 and the first side plate 17 a is released. Under the condition, when the detachable unit 29 is pulled out in the direction away from the spool 14, the detachable unit 29 is detached from the first side plate 17 a.

It should be noted that, the detachable unit 29 is kept attached to the first side plate 17 a unless the detachable operating knob 19 b is operated while the first side cover 18 a is opened. Under the condition, a user is allowed to set the brake shoes 20 b to be pivotable or non-pivotable through the window part 115 e of the spool support portion 15.

<Structure of Foreign Object Intrusion Blocking Structure>

The foreign object intrusion blocking structure 60 serves to prevent intrusion of a foreign object into the interior of the dual-bearing reel 10. The foreign object intrusion blocking structure 60 is composed of the first side plate 17 a (the frame 17) and the first side cover 18 a. As described above, the first side cover 18 a has the cover main body 28 a (see FIG. 4) with the plural apertures 128 a and the foreign object blocking member 61 (see FIG. 6A) for preventing intrusion of a foreign object through the plural apertures 128 a.

It should be noted that the first side plate 17 a and the first side cover 18 a have been already explained above in explaining the reel unit 11. Therefore, explanation will not be hereinafter made for the first side plate 17 a and the first side cover 18 a. Further, the foreign object blocking member 61 is a member included in the first side cover 18 a. The basic structure thereof has been already explained above in explaining the reel unit 11. Therefore, explanation will be hereinafter made for the structure of the foreign object blocking member 61 except for the basic structure thereof.

While being elastically deformed, the foreign object blocking member 61 is attached to the inner surface side of the cover main body 28 a, and is held by the cover main body 28 a by means of the resilient force thereof. For example, at least a part of the outer periphery of the foreign object blocking member 61 has a second curvature less than the first curvature of the cover main body 28 a. In other words, at least a part of the outer periphery of the foreign object blocking member 61 is formed in a shape with a second curvature radius greater than the first curvature radius of the cover main body 28 a. Therefore, as illustrated in FIG. 6A, when the foreign object blocking member 61 is elastically deformed, an outer periphery 28 d (a part with the second curvature) of the foreign object blocking member 61 is attached to an outer periphery 128 d (a part with the first curvature) of the cover main body 28 a. The outer periphery 128 d of the cover main body 28 a is a part of the protruding part 128 b of the cover main body 28 a.

As illustrated in FIGS. 6A to 6C, the foreign object blocking member 61 is a plate member formed in a substantially C-shape. The foreign object blocking member 61 has a main body 61 a and a plurality of engaging portions 61 b. The main body 61 a is a plate part formed in a C-shape. The engaging portions 61 b are engaged with the holding parts 128 c of the cover main body 28 a. It should be noted that, as described above, each holding part 128 c of the cover main body 28 a is a concave part formed in a recessed shape.

The main body 61 a is attached to the cover main body 28 a, for instance, when being elastically deformed toward the curvature center of the second curvature. The plural (e.g., three) engaging portions 61 b are respectively integrally formed with the outer periphery (a part with the second curvature) of the main body 61 a, while being aligned at predetermined intervals. Each engaging portion 61 b is a convex part (an exemplary second convex part) outwardly protruding from the outer periphery of the main body 61 a.

As illustrated in FIG. 6C, at least one of the three engaging portions 61 b has a protrusion 61 c. For example, one of the three engaging portions 61 b herein has the protrusion 61 c. As illustrated in FIG. 6B, two engaging portions 61 b without the protrusion 61 c are disposed in the holding parts 128 c of the cover main body 28 a. By contrast, one engaging portion 61 b with the protrusion 61 c is fitted to the relevant one of the holding parts 128 c of the cover main body 28 a. When described in detail, the engaging portion 61 b with the protrusion 61 c is fitted to the relevant holding part 128 c of the cover main body 28 a, while the protrusion 61 c of the engaging portion 61 b is contacted to the wall of the relevant holding part 128 c. Thus, the foreign object blocking member 61 is held by the cover main body 28 a by means of the arrangement and the fitting of the engaging portions 61 b to the holding parts 128 c of the cover main body 28 a and the aforementioned resilient force of the main body 61 a.

It should be noted that a structure has been herein exemplified that one of the three engaging portions 61 b has the protrusion 61 c. However, each of two or all of the three engaging portions 61 b may have the protrusion 61 c.

<Features>

The aforementioned exemplary embodiment can be expressed as follows.

(A) The present dual-bearing reel 10 includes the spool access mechanism 30. The spool access mechanism 30 is a mechanism for allowing the interior of the dual-bearing reel 10 to be accessed. The spool access mechanism 30 of the dual-bearing reel 10 is composed of the frame 17, the spool support portion 15, the first side cover 18 a and the cover opening and closing portion 16. The frame 17 has the opening portion 27 c. The frame 17 is formed in a substantially circular shape. The spool support portion 15 is mounted to the interior of the frame 17. The spool support portion 15 supports the spool 14 in a rotatable state. The first side cover 18 a is allowed to be disposed in the opening portion 27 c of the frame 17. The cover opening and closing portion 16 is disposed between the spool 14 and the first side cover 18 a, while being disposed in the interior of the frame 17. The cover opening and closing portion 16 is engaged with the spool support portion 15 and the first side cover 18 a, and is capable of opening and closing the first side cover 18 a.

Thus, in the present spool access mechanism 30, the cover opening and closing portion 16 is disposed between the spool 14 and the first side cover 18 a, while being disposed in the interior of the frame 17. Further, the first side cover 18 a is engaged with the cover opening and closing portion 16. Thus, unlike a well-known art, it is not required to dispose the support portion for supporting the first side cover 18 a either in a position between the frame 17 and the radially outside of the spool 14 or on the both ends of the frame 17 on the radially outside of the spool 14. In other words, compared to the well-known art, the frame 17 can be compactly formed in the present spool access mechanism 30.

Further, unlike the well-known art, it is not required for the present spool access mechanism 30 to prepare a space or part for disposing the support portion on the radially outside of the spool 14 within the frame 17. Hence, the outer contour of the frame 17 can be formed in the most optimal shape, for instance, in a substantially circular shape. Thus, the shape of the frame 17 is determined not only by simply forming the frame 17 compactly but also by setting the space within the frame 17 or the size of the frame 17 to a possible minimum extent. Due to the reason as described above, in the present spool access mechanism 30, the frame 17 is formed in a shape optimal for compactly forming the frame 17, i.e., in a substantially circular shape.

(B) In the present dual-bearing reel 10, the first side cover 18 a has an engaging portion for opening and closing the first side cover 18 a with respect to the cover opening and closing portion 16. The engaging portion is mounted to the first side cover 18 a so as to overlap with the spool support portion 15 when viewed to the spool shaft direction.

In the structure, the engaging portion is mounted to the first side cover 18 a so as to overlap with the spool support portion 15 when viewed to the spool shaft direction. Hence, it is not required to prepare a space or part for disposing the engaging portion on the radially outside of the spool 14 within the frame 17. Consequently, the frame 17 can be compactly formed.

(C) In the present dual-bearing reel 10, the spool 14, the spool support portion 15 and the first side cover 18 a are disposed substantially concentrically when viewed to the spool shaft direction.

In the structure, the spool 14, the spool support portion 15 and the first side cover 18 a are disposed substantially concentrically when viewed to the spool shaft direction. In other words, the spool 14, the spool support portion 15 and the first side cover 18 a can be disposed in alignment with each other in the direction along the spool shaft 26 without being substantially eccentric to the frame 17. Consequently, the frame 17 can be compactly formed in the radial direction.

(D) The present dual-bearing reel 10 further includes the detachable portion 19. The detachable portion 19 is disposed between the spool 14 and the first side cover 18 a while being disposed in the interior of the frame 17. The detachable portion 19 is engaged with the spool support portion 15 and the cover opening and closing portion 16. The detachable portion 19 is mounted to the frame 17 so as to allow the spool support portion 15 and the cover opening and closing portion 16 to be attached to or detached from the frame 17 while the first side cover 18 a is opened.

In the structure, the detachable portion 19 is disposed between the spool 14 and the first side cover 18 a, and allows the spool support portion 15 and the cover opening and closing portion 16 to be attached to or detached from the frame 17 while the first side cover 18 a is opened. When described in detail, the cover opening and closing portion 16 is engaged with the first side cover 18 a. Therefore, the detachable portion 19 allows the spool support portion 15, the cover opening and closing portion 16 and the first side cover 18 a to be attached to or detached from the frame 17 while the first side cover 18 a is opened.

Thus, in the present spool access mechanism 30, the detachable portion 19 is capable of easily detaching the spool support portion 15, the cover opening and closing portion 16 and the first side cover 18 a from the frame 17. Thus, the internal structure of the dual-bearing reel 10 is easily accessible. Consequently, it is possible to easily assemble the internal structure of the dual-bearing reel 10 or detach the internal structure of the dual-bearing reel 10 and then easily perform a maintenance work for the detached internal structure.

(E) In the present dual-bearing reel 10, the detachable portion 19 is pivotably mounted to the frame 17. The spool support portion 15 and the cover opening and closing portion 16 are allowed to be detached from the frame 17 by pivoting the detachable portion 19 while the first side cover 18 a is opened.

In the structure, the spool support portion 15 and the cover opening and closing portion 16 are allowed to be detached form the frame 17 by pivoting the detachable portion 19 while the first side cover 18 a is opened. In other words, in the present spool access mechanism 30, the frame 17 can be compactly formed, and further, the internal structure of the dual-bearing reel 10 becomes easily accessible only by pivoting the detachable portion 19.

(F) In the present dual-bearing reel 10, the cover opening and closing portion 16 includes the pivot member 38 and the coupling member 40. The pivot member 38 is pivotably mounted to the spool support portion 15. The coupling member 40 couples the spool support portion 15 and the first side cover 18 a, while supporting the first side cover 18 a so as to allow the first side cover 18 a to be opened and closed in conjunction with the pivot of the pivot member 38.

In the structure, the coupling member 40 couples the spool support portion 15 and the first side cover 18 a, while supporting the first side cover 18 a so as to allow the first side cover 18 a to be opened and closed in conjunction with the pivot of the pivot member 38. Hence, even when the spool support portion 15 and the first side cover 18 a are disposed in separate positions, the first side cover 18 a is allowed to be opened and closed by pivoting the pivot member 38. In other words, in the present spool access mechanism 30, the first side cover 18 a can be easily opened and closed, and thereby, the interior of the first side cover 18 a becomes easily accessible.

(G) In the present dual-bearing reel 10, the pivot member 38 is configured to take the predetermined first position while the first side cover 18 a is closed. The pivot member 38 is configured to pivot from the first position and take the second position while the first side cover 18 a is openable. The pivot member 38 is configured to be positioned by the coupling member 40 when taking either of the first position or the second position.

In the structure, the pivot member 38 is positioned by the coupling member 40 when taking either of the first position or the second position. In other words, the first side cover 18 a can be fixed in the closed state by positioning the pivot member 38 in the first position. By contrast, the first side cover 18 a is held in the openable state by positioning the pivot member 38 in the second position. Hence, the spool support portion 15 and the cover opening and closing portion 16 can be easily detached from the frame 17. In other words, the internal structure of the dual-bearing reel 10 can be easily detached or assembled.

(H) In the present dual-bearing reel 10, the coupling member 40 includes the first coupling member 41 and the second coupling member 42. The first coupling member 41 is mounted to the spool support portion 15 while being disposed between the pivot member 38 and the first side cover 18 a. The second coupling member 42 is engaged with the first coupling member 41 and positions the pivot member 38. Further, the second coupling member 42 supports the first side cover 18 a so as to allow the first side cover 18 a to be opened and closed.

In the structure, the coupling member 40 is composed of the first coupling member 41 and the second coupling member 42. Therefore, even when the spool support portion 15 and the first side cover 18 a are disposed in separate positions, the first coupling member 41 can make up for the positional difference. Further, the second coupling member 42 can position the pivot member 38 and support the first side cover 18 a.

(I) In the present dual-bearing reel 10, the pivot member 38 has the pivot main body 38 a and the positioning elongated aperture part 39. The pivot main body 38 a is pivotably mounted to the spool support portion 15. The positioning elongated aperture part 39 is formed in the pivot main body 38 a. The second coupling member 42 is movable within the positioning elongated aperture part 39 in conjunction with the pivot of the pivot main body 38 a. The pivot member 38 is configured to be positioned by the second coupling member 42 on one end side of the positioning elongated aperture part 39 when disposed in the first position. The pivot member 38 is configured to be positioned by the second coupling member 42 on the other end side of the positioning elongated aperture part 39 when disposed in the second position.

In the structure, when taking either the first position or the second position, the pivot member 38 is configured to be positioned by the second coupling member 42 on one end side or the other end side of the positioning elongated aperture part 39. Thus, the pivot member 38 can be reliably positioned in two different positions (i.e., the first position and the second position), which are set in accordance with the pivot of the pivot member 38.

(J) In the present dual-bearing reel 10, the second coupling member 42 has the shaft part 43 and the head part 44. The shaft part 43 is mounted to the first side cover 18 a. The head part 44 is enlarged in comparison with the shaft part 43. The positioning elongated aperture part 39 has the first aperture 39 a and the second aperture 39 b. The first aperture 39 a is formed on one end side of the positioning elongated aperture part 39. The second aperture 39 b is formed on the other end side of the positioning elongated aperture part 39. The second aperture 39 b has an inner diameter greater than that of the first aperture 39 a.

When the pivot member 38 takes the first position, the shaft part 43 of the second coupling member 42 is configured to be disposed in the first aperture 39 a while the head part 44 of the second coupling member 42 is configured to be engaged with the edge 39 c of the second aperture 39 b, and whereby the pivot member 38 is configured to be positioned. When the pivot member 38 takes the second position, the head part 44 of the second coupling member 42 is configured to be disposed in the second aperture 39 b, and whereby the pivot member 38 is configured to be positioned.

In the structure, when taking the first position, the pivot member 38 is configured to be positioned by the shaft part 43 and the head part 44 of the second coupling member 42. Hence, the first side cover 18 a can be reliably fixed while being closed. By contrast, when the pivot member 38 takes the second position, the head part 44 of the second coupling member 42 is disengaged from the first aperture 39 a and is disposed in the second aperture 39 b. Therefore, the first side cover 18 a can be reliably held while being openable.

(K) In the present dual-bearing reel 10, the second coupling member 42 is configured to be retained by the pivot member 38 when the pivot member 38 takes the predetermined first position. Further, the second coupling member 42 is configured to be retained by the first coupling member 41 when the pivot member 38 pivots from the first position and takes the second position.

In the structure, when the pivot member 38 takes either the first position or the second position, the second coupling member 42 is configured to be retained by either the pivot member 38 or the second coupling member 42. Thus, the second coupling member 42 can be retained without preparing a special member.

Other Exemplary Embodiments

One exemplary embodiment of the present invention has been explained above. However, the present invention is not limited to the aforementioned exemplary embodiment, and a variety of changes can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. Especially, a plurality of exemplary embodiments and modifications described in the specification of the present application can be arbitrarily combined on an as-needed basis.

(a) The aforementioned exemplary embodiment has exemplified the structure that the protruding part 128 b is formed on the first side cover 18 a whereas the contact part 35 d is formed on the spool support portion 15. Alternatively, the protruding part 128 b may be formed on the spool support portion 15, whereas the contact part 35 d may be formed on the first side cover 18 a.

(b) The aforementioned exemplary embodiment has exemplified the structure that the foreign object blocking member 61 has the three engaging portions 61 b. However, the number of the engaging portions 61 b may be arbitrarily set without being limited to that set in the aforementioned exemplary embodiment. Further, the number of the engaging portions 61 b with the protrusion 61 c may be set to be plural without being limited to single.

(c) The aforementioned exemplary embodiment has exemplified the structure that the foreign object blocking member 61 is a plate member formed in a substantially C-shape. However, the foreign object blocking member 61 may be arbitrarily formed as long as the foreign object blocking member 61 is an elastic member, while the curvature (i.e., the second curvature) of the foreign object blocking member 61 is less than the curvature (i.e., the first curvature) of the first side cover 18 a.

(d) The aforementioned exemplary embodiment has exemplified the structure that the engaging portions 61 b of the foreign object blocking member 61 are convex parts whereas the holding parts 128 c of the first side cover 18 a are concave parts. Alternatively, the engaging portions 61 b of the foreign object blocking member 61 may be concave parts, whereas the holding parts 128 c of the first side cover 18 a may be convex parts.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

The present invention is widely applicable to dual-bearing reels. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A dual-bearing reel, comprising: a reel unit including a frame body, the frame body including an opening portion and having a substantially circular shape; a spool being rotatably mounted to the frame body; a handle configured to rotate the spool; and a spool access mechanism configured to enable access to an interior of the frame body, and including a portion of the frame body, a cover portion configured to be disposed in the opening portion of the frame body, a spool support portion mounted to the interior of the frame body, the spool support portion being configured to support the spool in a rotatable state, and a cover opening and closing portion disposed between the spool and the cover portion in the interior of the frame body, the cover opening and closing portion being engaged with the spool support portion and the cover portion, the cover opening and closing portion being configured to open and close the cover portion.
 2. The dual-bearing reel according to claim 1, wherein the cover portion includes an engaging portion, the engaging portion configured to open and close the cover portion with respect to the cover opening and closing portion, and the engaging portion is mounted to the cover portion, the engaging portion configured to overlap with the spool support portion when viewed in a spool shaft direction.
 3. The dual-bearing reel according to claim 1, wherein the spool, the spool support portion and the cover portion are disposed substantially concentrically when viewed in a spool shaft direction.
 4. The dual-bearing reel according to claim 1, further comprising: a detachable portion being disposed between the spool and the cover portion in the interior of the frame body, the detachable portion being engaged with the spool support portion and the cover opening and closing portion, the detachable portion being mounted to the frame body and configured to attach the spool support portion and the cover opening and closing portion to the frame body or detach the spool support portion and the cover opening and closing portion firom the frame body while the cover portion is opened.
 5. The dual-bearing reel according to claim 4, wherein the detachable portion is pivotably mounted to the frame body, and the spool support portion and the cover opening and closing portion are configured to be detached from the frame body by pivoting the detachable portion while the cover portion is opened.
 6. The dual-bearing reel according to claim 1, wherein the cover opening and closing portion includes a pivot member and a coupling member, the pivot member being pivotably mounted to the spool support portion, the coupling member coupling the spool support portion and the cover portion, the coupling member supporting openably and closably the cover portion in conjunction with a pivot of the pivot member.
 7. The dual-bearing reel according to claim 6, wherein the pivot member is configured to be disposed in a first position while the cover portion is closed, the pivot member is configured to be disposed in a second position while the cover portion is openable, the pivot member is configured to pivot between the first position and the second position, and the pivot member is configured to be positioned by the coupling member in one of the first position and the second position.
 8. The dual-bearing reel according to claim 6, wherein the coupling member includes a first coupling member and a second coupling member, the first coupling member being mounted to the spool support portion between the pivot member and the cover portion, the second coupling member being engaged with the first coupling member, the second coupling member positioning the pivot member, and the second coupling member openably and closably supporting the cover portion.
 9. The dual-bearing reel according to claim 8, wherein the pivot member has a main body and an elongated aperture part, the main body being pivotably mounted to the spool support portion, the elongated aperture part being disposed on the main body of the pivot member, the second coupling member is movable within the elongated aperture part in conjunction with a pivot of the main body of the pivot member, the pivot member is configured to be positioned by the second coupling member on a first end side of the elongated aperture part when taking a first position, and the pivot member is configured to be positioned by the second coupling member on a second end side of the elongated aperture part when taking a second position.
 10. The dual-bearing reel according to claim 9, wherein the second coupling member includes a shaft part and an enlarged part, the shaft part being mounted to the cover portion, the enlarged part being enlarged in comparison with the shaft part, the elongated aperture part includes a first aperture and a second aperture, the first aperture being formed on the first end side of the elongated aperture part, the second aperture being formed on the second end side of the elongated aperture part and having an inner diameter greater than an inner diameter of the first aperture, when the pivot member is in the first position, the shaft part is disposed in the first aperture, and the pivot member is positioned by the enlarged part engaging an edge of the second aperture, and when the pivot member is in the second position, the pivot member is positioned by disposing the enlarged part in the second aperture.
 11. The dual-bearing reel according to claim 7, wherein the second coupling member is configured to be retained by the pivot member when the pivot member is in a first position, and the second coupling member is configured to be retained by the first coupling member, when the pivot member pivots from the first position to a second position and maintains the second position.
 12. The dual-bearing reel according to claim 2, wherein the spool, the spool support portion and the cover portion are disposed substantially concentrically when viewed in a spool shaft direction.
 13. The dual-bearing reel according to claim 2, further comprising: a detachable portion being disposed between the spool and the cover portion in the interior of the frame body, the detachable portion being engaged with the spool support portion and the cover opening and closing portion, the detachable portion being mounted to the frame body and configured to attach the spool support portion and the cover opening and closing portion to the frame body or detach the spool support portion and the cover opening and closing portion from the frame body while the cover portion is opened.
 14. The dual-bearing reel according to claim 3, further comprising: a detachable portion being disposed between the spool and the cover portion in the interior of the frame body, the detachable portion being engaged with the spool support portion and the cover opening and closing portion, the detachable portion being mounted to the frame body and configured to attach the spool support portion and the cover opening and closing portion to the frame body or detach the spool support portion and the cover opening and closing portion from the frame body while the cover portion is opened.
 15. The dual-bearing reel according to claim 2, wherein the cover opening and closing portion includes a pivot member and a coupling member, the pivot member being pivotably mounted to the spool support portion, the coupling member coupling the spool support portion and the cover portion, the coupling member supporting openably and closably the cover portion in conjunction with a pivot of the pivot member.
 16. The dual-bearing reel according to claim 3, wherein the cover opening and closing portion includes a pivot member and a coupling member, the pivot member being pivotably mounted to the spool support portion, the coupling member coupling the spool support portion and the cover portion, the coupling member supporting openably and closably the cover portion in conjunction with a pivot of the pivot member.
 17. The dual-bearing reel according to claim 4, wherein the cover opening and closing portion includes a pivot member and a coupling member, the pivot member being pivotably mounted to the spool support portion, the coupling member coupling the spool support portion and the cover portion, the coupling member supporting openably and closably the cover portion in conjunction with a pivot of the pivot member.
 18. The dual-bearing reel according to claim 5, wherein the cover opening and closing portion includes a pivot member and a coupling member, the pivot member being pivotably mounted to the spool support portion, the coupling member coupling the spool support portion and the cover portion, the coupling member supporting openably and closably the cover portion in conjunction with a pivot of the pivot member.
 19. The dual-bearing reel according to claim 7, wherein the coupling member includes a first coupling member and a second coupling member, the first coupling member being mounted to the spool support portion between the pivot member and the cover portion, the second coupling member being engaged with the first coupling member, the second coupling member positioning the pivot member, and the second coupling member openably and closably supporting the cover portion. 